A tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. — Part 1 of 5

More than 250,000 people of diverse ethnicities attended the March on Washington where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his legendary “I have a dream” speech. At the time, the march was the largest gathering of protestors in city’s history.

“I have a dream that one day …”

For many of us, those words seem so familiar but I can still remember what it was like the first time I heard them.

Growing up in a post-civil rights era southern town, there was lots of buzz about President Ronald Reagan’s decision to declare the third Monday in January Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

So, that year, in the fifth grade, when it came to time to choose someone for a book report/oral presentation, I selected Dr. King. Perhaps as the daughter of a Baptist pastor, I was curious about my father’s admiration of Dr. King; and the reverence this great orator had in the African American community.

Plan to attend The 2009 Martin Luther King Jr. Day commemoration, sponsored by UNMC and The Nebraska Medical Center, will be Monday, Jan. 19 from noon to 1 p.m. in The Truhlsen Campus Events Center, first floor of the Sorrell Center. The event is free, open to the public and includes free lunch for the first 300 people. Speaking at the event will be Omaha World-Herald columnist and community volunteer, Janice Gilmore. Gilmore was born and raised in Omaha. She graduated from North High School, received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education and a Master of Science Degree in Education Administration, both from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Gilmore had a 31-year career in the Omaha Public School systems as a teacher, assistant principal and principal. She writes a column for the Omaha World-Herald as well as Revive!, an African American lifestyle and community empowerment magazine. In addition, she wrote an inspirational children’s book about Omaha and a book about grief for PULSE, a group assisting families of homicide victims. A role model for women of all ages, Gilmore is a member of Concerned and Caring Educators, NSEAR, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, the Urban League, and the NAACP. She also is a board member for Project Hope, African American Empowerment, Inc., and the Community Advisory Board of Bright Futures Foundation. Gilmore has received several awards and recognitions including The College of Education University of Nebraska at Omaha Distinguished Alumni Award, YWCA Tribute to Women, Viking of Distinction, and Omaha Schools Foundation Award. For more information, contact Jo Giles at 559-4696 or send an e-mail to jgiles@unmc.edu.

It was somewhat of a foreign experience for me because in my childhood world, integration seemed so … normal. Perhaps, it was I, who was dreaming.

” … this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed.”

The 16-minute speech wasn’t difficult to memorize. The challenge was in capturing the emotion. Listening to my father’s recordings of his speeches, I noticed Dr. King’s words held a certain weight, a rhythm and urgency for justice. At times, uplifting, at times, railing on injustice, yet always Dr. King pushed for a more perfect union.

Every year, as I watch video footage from the March on Washington, I’m reminded of the thousands of people of diverse ethnicities who converged on the National Mall to push for equality. They shared a hope that the promises of our founding fathers would become reality for everyone regardless of circumstance, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability or gender.

“I have a dream today.”

As a child, there was much in that speech that I didn’t yet understand. But, this I instinctively knew: we rise and fall together; our lives forever intertwined. Perhaps one of the greatest strengths of Dr. King’s life was his capacity to build coalitions and inspire hope.

It has been many years since I’ve delivered that speech. But at every celebration of Dr. King, I reflect on his words, I whisper them silently, and I continue to dream of a better world.

I hope you do, too.

Historical trip

Millions of Americans will travel to Washington to witness the inauguration of a new president who, like Dr. King, inspires hope in many people. Thanks to U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson’s office, I will be among those attending the swearing-in ceremony.

Yes, it is a chance to witness history. But for me, it is an amazing display of democracy. Look for reports from the event next week. If you are planning on attending the inauguration, please e-mail me at jgiles@unmc.com.